How to Preserve Beans WITHOUT a Pressure Canner

A couple of weeks ago I posted a picture on Instagram and Facebook of the beans that I had canned, without a pressure canner, the previous weekend. A few different people asked for directions on how to do this. So this is for those of you who were interested in how it works.

Canning beans without a pressure canner is really a simple thing, the only thing it does require is a little bit of time. I know all you busy momma’s of littles don’t really have any of that, but before you get to worried, this can be a two-three day process, needing only thirty minutes a day, or less.

Botulism
Botulism

Botulism is a rare but serious illness caused by a bacterium which occurs in soil. It produces a toxin that affects your nerves. Foodborne botulism comes from eating foods contaminated with the toxin.

Why are you supposed to use a pressure canner? Because beans are considered a low acid food, and according to what I’ve read even combining a high acid food with the low acid food doesn’t change the whole thing to a high acid food. High acid foods have no problem killing a bacteria that goes by the name of Clostridium botulium because of the acid that is in them. But as you can see in the above quote this bacteria is also found in many other foods. So maybe you aren’t comfortable with canning beans without a pressure canner, but know that the bacteria is killed by heating foods to an internal temperature of 185* F for five minutes. I always boil my beans after opening for a five minutes, we never, ever eat them right out the jar, like we might other home-canned things.

If you are still wondering how this process works, here is what you will need:
*dried beans- I have done navy beans, kidney beans, red beans and black beans
*water
*salt
*canning jars, lids and rings

First soak your beans. I have soaked them for up to two days, which is why you will see bean sprouts in some pictures. 🙂

After your beans have soaked for at least twelve hours, drain and rinse them, return to the pot and cover with fresh water. Bring those freshly washed beans to a boil, then reduce the heat and let them simmer until they are done cooking. If a large amount of foam collects at the top of the pot go ahead and skim that off.

You’ll know your beans are done cooking when their skins split in the cool air.

Once your beans are done cooking you get to fill your hot, clean jars with them. Fill to the top, leaving one inch of headspace, making sure that your liquid covers your beans completely. Wipe around the rim of your jars to remove any water or bean pieces that may cause problems with the jar’s seal.
Follow your lid manufactorers directions for preparing them, then place lids and rings on. Place jars in waterbath and process for 30 minutes for pints and 45 min for quarts.

I always use whatever beans I can within 6-9 months and have never had a problem with spoiling. Do the sniff test and but most importantly sure to boil your beans for at least five minutes before eating them.

So I don’t think boiling after canning will work. Sure you’ll kill the botulism. However, if your beans did have botulism and you kill them off there still are the toxins that they were creating and marinating in. You probably haven’t been growing botulism up till now because it seems to need perfect growing conditions. Still, if one day your beans had those conditions you wouldn’t know. It is odorless, tasteless, and a drop will kill you.

Hi Sarah! First of all let me say thank you for coming by and sharing your concern. Again let me say that if you aren’t comfortable using this method to make beans then don’t. 🙂 The bacterial spores that cause the toxin are common in soil and in water. You can kill the toxin by boiling the food and beans aren’t the only way that you could get the toxin. If you do develop symptoms of the disease, which is rare, you can receive an antitoxin. Death is very rare.

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Hi I'm Rebekah!
Married to my best friend since 2009. Momma to three handsome little men and hoping to be surviving toddlerhood for many more years. :-)
I'm so glad that you are here! Here you will find encouragement for your momma heart, allergen free recipes, tips for healthy and natural living, and more!
I am passionate about support for mommas during their pregnancy, labor, and the first year postpartum, and I pour that passion into my work as a birth and postpartum doula.
Thanks for stopping by! If you have any questions feel free to email me at rebekah@survivingtoddlerhood.com